OTTAWA –Windsor West MP and NDP Innovation, Science and Economic Development Critic Brian Masse called on the Liberal Government today to extend the deadline for submissions to the Canadian Radio and Television Commission’s (CRTC) proposed internet code.

The CRTC launched its proceeding with the premise that it will protect consumers and Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Navdeep Bains has clearly stated that he is pro-consumer. However, consumers groups are boycotting these proceedings because of the unreasonable deadlines in order to make their respective submissions.

“A call for submissions from the public and consumers groups isn’t even feasible if the deadlines are impossible to meet,” stated Masse. “Worse still, they are withholding crucial information and not allowing the experts to do their jobs effectively. If this government really wanted to hear from Canadians, a reasonable deadline extension to make submissions to the CRTC must be made.”

The Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC) wrote to the CRTC immediately following the announcement requesting a deadline extension until April 2019. This was specifically in response to the fact that the CRTC is currently undertaking other hearings which these consumers groups are involved in evidence gathering and presenting submissions. The CRTC denied the request and suggested the 40 days they provided was sufficient.

“If we want to get the most accurate and fair information for this study, then we need to recognize that these groups, who best represent the interests of the Canadian public and consumers, will provide the most raw and valuable data to the CRTC with the appropriate time to gather and make their submissions,” said Masse. “Are the Liberals really serious about consumer protection or is this process just smoke in mirrors.”